Collaborating with cloud-hosted Revit models in Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) can dramatically boost teamwork and efficiency—if you choose the right workflow! Let’s simplify things by exploring the three most popular methods: Collaborative Cloud Models, Live Linking, and the Bridge Workflow. We’ll walk through each step-by-step and clearly outline their pros and cons so you can pick the best fit for your project.

Collaborative Cloud Models

Collaborative Cloud Models let your entire team edit one Revit model stored centrally in ACC in real-time.

When to Use: Multidisciplinary teams working together within one ACC project.

Step-by-Step Setup:

  • Set Up ACC Project: Create your Autodesk Docs project, invite your team, assign permissions, and activate BIM Collaborate Pro.
  • Open or Create Your Model: Launch Revit, sign in to your Autodesk account, and start your project.
  • Activate Worksharing: Under the Collaborate tab, click Worksets and create default worksets for team editing.
  • Upload to ACC: Select Collaborate > In Autodesk Docs and upload your model as a central file.
  • Confirm Upload: Check ACC to ensure your model is hosted correctly.
  • Begin Collaboration: Team members access the model via Autodesk Docs, creating synchronized local versions.
  • Sync Often: Regularly synchronize changes to keep everyone updated.
  • Publish for Stakeholders: Occasionally publish versions for non-Revit users to review via ACC.
  • Manage Team Permissions: Regularly review and adjust permissions to secure model integrity.
Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Single, centralized source of truth All collaborators must join one project
Real-time collaborative editing Requires BIM Collaborate Pro licenses
Easy file access and management Dependent on cloud reliability (downtime risk)

Live Linking Models in ACC

Live Linking connects separate discipline-specific cloud models in ACC, ensuring your team always sees the latest updates without duplicating files.

When to Use: Perfect when multiple disciplines within a single ACC project require instant coordination.

Step-by-Step Setup:

  • Organize Your ACC Project: In Autodesk Docs, clearly define and create separate folders for each discipline (e.g., Architectural, Structural, MEP).
  • Create and Upload Discipline Models: Each discipline team creates their respective Revit model and uploads it to the designated folder in Autodesk Docs.
  • Open Your Discipline Model in Revit: Launch Revit and open your discipline’s cloud-hosted model.
  • Link Models from Other Disciplines: In Revit, go to the Insert tab, select Link Revit, choose Autodesk Docs from the dropdown menu, navigate to other disciplines’ folders, and select the models you want to link.
  • Confirm Model Alignment: Verify linked models are properly aligned using a shared coordinate system or a mutually agreed-upon positioning method.
  • Regularly Reload Links: Use the Manage Links option to reload models frequently, ensuring your discipline sees the latest updates.
Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Immediate coordination updates Immediate visibility of unapproved changes
No duplicated models Requires careful permissions setup
Familiar linking workflow Risks of broken links if file paths change

ACC Bridge Workflow

ACC Bridge enables collaboration between separate ACC projects or external organizations, automating model sharing while keeping data independent.

When to Use: Best suited for teams from different companies or distinct project spaces that still need coordinated model updates.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Set Up Separate ACC Projects: Each organization maintains its own ACC project.
  • Activate Bridge: Project admins set up Bridge connections in Autodesk Docs to share models.
  • Schedule Transfers: Automate model sharing according to a schedule (daily, weekly).
  • Link Bridged Models in Revit: Open your Revit model (version 2023.1 or newer) and link directly to bridged files.
  • Coordinate Bridge Updates: Regularly reload linked models after each scheduled transfer to ensure alignment.
Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Enables cross-organization collaboration Creates duplicate files
Automated, scheduled model updates Updates not instantaneous (slight delay)
Maintains independent control of project data Initial configuration can be complex

Choosing Your Ideal Workflow

  • Collaborative Cloud Models: Best for tight-knit, internal team collaboration.
  • Live Linking: Ideal for multidisciplinary teams needing immediate updates.
  • Bridge Workflow: Perfect for collaboration across different companies or projects.

In reality, many projects blend these methods to maximize efficiency—using Collaborative Cloud Models for internal collaboration, Live Linking for rapid multi-team coordination, and the Bridge Workflow for external integration. Selecting the best workflow and keeping communication open ensures your team can fully leverage ACC, delivering coordinated and clash-free projects efficiently. If you’re curious to learn more or want a deeper dive into these workflows, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!